Hidden among the vineyards and gentle slopes of Canneto Pavese, in the heart of the province of Pavia, stands a silent monument, witness to centuries of history and epic journeys along ancient pilgrim routes: the Pozzo di Sant‘Antonio Abate.
A Journey through Time
The Pozzo di Sant‘Antonio Abate is much more than a simple water point. Dating back to medieval times, this majestic well, built of exposed brick, served as refreshment and refuge for pilgrims travelling along two of the most important medieval routes: the Via Francigena and the Via Romea.
History etched in stone
On the surface of the well, a commemorative plaque held the memory of a crucial moment in the history of the region. Placed in 1511 by Giovanni Marco Arrigoni, the plaque commemorated Beata Guarisca Arrigoni and the granting of perpetual immunity by Filippo Maria Visconti, Duke of Milan, to the Arrigoni, Quartironi and Rognoni families back in 1438. This gesture, following the expulsion from the Taleggio Valley at the hands of the Venetian invaders, sealed a pact of protection and memory that has endured for centuries.
An Act of Plunder: The Disappearance of Memory
Over the years, however, the well has witnessed not only moments of joy and pilgrimage, but also tragedies. In 1978, a despicable act upset the tranquillity of the place: the gravestone, a symbol of history and memory, was stolen. An unscrupulous act that deprived the Pozzo di Sant‘Antonio Abate of a fundamental part of its identity.
In Search of Lost Truth
Today, as visitors approach the well, they can still hear the echo of the footsteps of pilgrims who have passed through it over the centuries. However, a void remains, an unsolved mystery that continues to arouse the curiosity of locals and historians alike: who took the plaque away and for what reason?
The Well of Saint Anthony Abbot: A Reminder of History
Although deprived of part of its history engraved in stone, the Pozzo di Sant‘Antonio Abate continues to be a symbol of resilience and connection to the past. Its majestic presence among the vineyards of Canneto Pavese is a constant reminder of the need to preserve and protect our historical heritage, so that future generations may continue to be inspired and surprised by the richness of our history.
